$173 to start
$2,200 total
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
Financial aid (may be available)
No cost info
No cost info
Financial aid (may be available)
$4,147 total
$8,046 total
This Registered Respiratory Therapy program is 100% online and is designed as a nontraditional track for individuals who have completed an associate's degree in respiratory care and have already earned the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential granted by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Our courses are taught by full-time faculty who are Registered Respiratory Therapists with advanced degrees and extensive clinical training and experience.
No cost info
The University of Cincinnati's online Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program is designed to improve real-world clinical competence while preparing active respiratory therapy professionals for a lasting future in the healthcare industry. The robust and engaging curriculum challenges students, promoting a deeper understanding of advanced healthcare operations, logistics, technology, leadership, ethics, and project management. Delivered by the industry-experienced faculty in the UC College of Allied Health Sciences, the online program advances respiratory therapy practice and research by focusing on current and future industry standards. The end result is a clinician who can make significant contributions to the field while positively affecting the future of respiratory care for a diverse range of patients. Build on your experience, define your practice, and prepare for the future. Develop the expertise needed for advanced practice and leadership opportunities. Interact and network with an industry experienced faculty and healthcare professionals. Earn a bachelor of science in respiratory therapy in as few as 20 months (5 semesters). Continue working while your learn with flexible, 100 percent online classes.
No cost info
A bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy from MU will help you provide the hands-on care that assists in recovery and management of a wide range of medical conditions. If you hold the NBRC RRT credential or the Canadian equivalent, this may be the degree for you.
No cost info
Working primarily in hospital settings, respiratory therapists are responsible for an extremely wide range of patients. From the smallest infants to the elderly, from long-term disease to emergencies, respiratory therapists must be prepared for everything. Our program will give you access to expert instruction and the cutting-edge skills you need to advance your career.
This is a degree completion program. Students must have earned an associate degree in respiratory care, hold your RRT from the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC), and currently licensed to practice to be eligible for admission.
No cost info
Respiratory Therapy careers are projected to grow 23% by 2026, and because East Tennessee State University allows more transfer credits than most universities, an online B.S. in Respiratory Therapy from ETSU can save you valuable time and tuition dollars while helping you move forward faster.
The Respiratory Therapy (Cardiopulmonary Science) Completion Program at ETSU is an accredited, online program dedicated to providing advanced instruction emphasizing best practices in clinical respiratory therapy based on scientific inquiry.
No cost info
Are you considering a career in the health sector and looking for a rewarding and challenging path? Becoming a Respiratory Therapist might be the perfect fit for you! This profession is highly rewarding, as you'll be working directly with patients suffering from a variety of respiratory issues, including chronic conditions like asthma or emphysema, or acute conditions such as a pulmonary embolism. Before diving into the details of how to become a Respiratory Therapist, let's first understand who a Respiratory Therapist is.
A Respiratory Therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment and treatment of patients with both acute and chronic dysfunction of the cardiopulmonary system. They provide care for patients of all ages, from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients with lung disease. They may also offer life-saving support to trauma patients.
Becoming a Respiratory Therapist requires specific training and education. Here are the training requirements you need to meet:
Education: You need to have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited Respiratory Therapy education program. The most common degree is a two-year associate degree, but there are also four-year bachelor degree programs available.
Licensure: All states require Respiratory Therapists to be licensed, and the requirements vary by state. Generally, you will need to pass a state or professional certification exam.
Certification: Most employers prefer to hire Respiratory Therapists who have certification. The most common certification is the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, which is available from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
The right Respiratory Therapist class can set you on the path to a successful career. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a class:
Accreditation: The program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). This ensures that the program meets or exceeds the minimum standards of quality set by the profession.
Course Curriculum: Look at the subjects offered in the curriculum. A comprehensive program should cover areas such as human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics, microbiology, and pharmacology.
Clinical Practice: The program should offer clinical practice opportunities. This will allow you to gain hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
Certification Preparation: The program should prepare you for the NBRC credentialing exams. This may be through exam preparation courses or other resources.
Your day-to-day class activities will vary depending on the specific module you are currently taking. However, expect a mix of classroom lectures, laboratory work, and clinical practice.
In the classroom, you'll learn the theory behind respiratory care, studying topics such as human anatomy, patient assessment, and medical gases. In the lab, you'll get hands-on experience with respiratory care equipment and procedures. During clinical practice, you'll work with patients under the supervision of experienced Respiratory Therapists.
After completing your respiratory therapy program, you'll need to pass a certification exam to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient assessment, infection control, and medical data interpretation.
Once you've passed the CRT exam, you can opt to take a second exam to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). This exam is more advanced and requires a higher level of clinical expertise.
After becoming a Respiratory Therapist, you can find job opportunities in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. Job boards, networking, and leveraging resources like Dreambound can be beneficial in your job hunt.
After becoming a Respiratory Therapist, you might be interested in pursuing further education to specialize or advance in your career. Here are a few options:
Critical Care: Learn more about caring for critically ill patients and handling complex respiratory issues.
Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty: Focus on treating infants and children with respiratory issues.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Help patients improve their lung function and quality of life through exercise and education.
Sleep Disorders: Specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing problems.
As a Respiratory Therapist, there are several ways you can advance your career:
Specialization: By pursuing further education and certification, you can specialize in areas like neonatal care, critical care, or sleep disorders. Specialization can open up new job opportunities and potentially increase your earning potential.
Management Roles: With experience and additional training, you can move into management roles, overseeing other Respiratory Therapists and coordinating respiratory services at a healthcare facility.
Education: You could also transition into an education role, teaching the next generation of Respiratory Therapists.
Networking is crucial in any profession, and Respiratory Therapy is no exception. Join professional organizations like the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) to meet other professionals in your field and stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments.
Continuing education is also essential for keeping your skills sharp and your knowledge current. Many employers and professional organizations offer opportunities for professional development.
Becoming a Respiratory Therapist is a rewarding career choice, offering the chance to make a significant impact on patients' lives. With the right training, certification, and commitment to continuous learning, you can enjoy a successful career in this vital healthcare field. As you embark on your journey, platforms like Dreambound can be an invaluable resource, providing information and guidance to help you find the best class to suit your needs. Good luck on your journey towards becoming a Respiratory Therapist!
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